A nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing democratic governance, human rights, and civic involvement in Africa, Yiaga Africa, has introduced a grassroots engagement platform named ‘People’s Assembly.’ This project seeks to boost citizen participation and encourage communication among residents, organizations, and local government bodies throughout Anambra State.
The organization stated that this initiative was introduced with backing from the Open Society Foundations. It offers a forum where artisans, market vendors, young people, individuals with disabilities, and local government officials can address significant community concerns, tackle various challenges, and develop strategies for productive interaction.
During the event held in Awka for residents of Awka South Local Government Area over the weekend, the Senior Programs Officer at Yiaga Africa, Anthonia Onda, spoke about the initiative aimed at educating grassroots communities on their role in fostering good governance and ensuring they benefit from democratic outcomes.
Onda mentioned that Anambra State was selected as one of the 12 states to initiate the program in Nigeria due to its favorable conditions and straightforward access to the Southeastern area.
She mentioned that Anambra, specifically the Awka South Local Government Area, was chosen following a comprehensive baseline evaluation carried out by pertinent stakeholders.
She stated, “The ‘People’s Assembly’ is a program designed to encourage citizen involvement and facilitate communication among residents, organizations, and municipal leaders. This assembly offers a space for craftsmen, female traders, young people, and individuals with disabilities to interact with local government representatives to address critical neighborhood concerns and develop strategies for productive interaction.”
“It also aims to enlighten participants on their roles in promoting good governance and delivering the dividends of democracy. By engaging and holding their elected officials at the local government levels accountable, public expenditure will be channelled towards the needs of the people and this will ensure accountability.
What we aim to encourage within the local government areas and throughout the state is a culture of public discourse where citizens have the opportunity to participate and shape the decision-making processes at the local government level.
Therefore, these assemblies, which are being set up nationwide, will function as venues where both citizens and locally-elected officials can participate in balanced and rational dialogues and deliberations. The ultimate aim is to ensure the well-being of the public and foster trust in the democratic system.
The core idea behind this initiative is to facilitate meaningful engagement, discussions, and debates about the requirements of individuals at the local community level. The ‘People’s Assembly’ is being launched in Awka South Local Government Area due to its closeness and convenient accessibility.
She added that representatives from the local government areas are anticipated to join the Assembly sessions aiming to offer guidance and make sure significant local concerns are properly handled.
She outlined the steps for conducting a successful ‘People’s Assembly’ at the municipal governance level, which encompassed planning and preparation, participant engagement, and facilitation among other aspects. This was done as part of Yiaga Africa’s initiatives to foster a culture of participatory democracy in Nigeria.
During his opening address, the chairman of Awka South Local Government Area, Prince Chinedu Okafor, opened the ceremony by guaranteeing the group that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration in the state would back them to attain their established objectives within the region.
During a training session, the Programme Officer at Yiaga Africa, Olaniyan Sanusi, addressed the attendees. He mentioned that the Assembly would provide an opportunity for individuals to come together through a nonpartisan forum where they can discuss matters impacting their communities, exchange viewpoints, and identify key concerns to present to local government representatives. Additionally, he encouraged Nigerians not to lose faith in democracy even though it has shortcomings.
Diverse representatives from multiple communities were chosen to head the initiative for launching the inaugural ‘People’s Assembly’ within the Awka South Local Government Area, aiming to enhance local governance at the community level across the state.
During their individual submissions, the participants—such as the President General of the Isiagu community, Elder Kingsley Nwokoye, and the female leader from the Awka community, Ekweozor Oge—pledged to disseminate the information they’ve acquired throughout their respective areas within Awka, Amawbia, Isi Agu, Ezinato, Umuaruoluwa, Nibo, and Nise, which together form part of the council district.
The event attracted participants from different civil society organizations, community development agencies, and religious bodies, as well as other entities.
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